Ben Carter
Beeswax is a great alternative to regular candles, which are often made with paraffin and artificial scents. It has a long burn time, a clean burn, and is smoke-free. It also has potential antibacterial properties. When melting beeswax for candle-making, it's important to monitor the temperature and ensure even melting. You can use a double boiler, a microwave, or a hot plate to melt the wax, but be cautious as wax is flammable. Once melted, you can add essential oils for fragrance and pour the liquid into your chosen mould or container.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wax melting method | Double boiler or microwave |
| Wax melting temperature | 110-200°Fahrenheit (60-93°Celsius) |
| Wax melting time | 30 minutes |
| Wax type | Beeswax |
| Wax quantity | Enough to cover the height of the beeswax |
| Container type | Glass, metal, ceramic or any material that can withstand hot wax |
| Wick type | Wood, cotton |
| Wick size | Small or large depending on the melting rate |
| Wick placement | Centre of the jar, secured with glue or tape |
| Additives | Coconut oil, essential oils |
| Cooling time | 1-2 days |
| Wick length after trimming | 1/2" |
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What You'll Learn
Use a double boiler to melt the wax
Using a double boiler is an effective way to melt wax for candle-making. This method involves using a pot with simmering water and a heat-resistant bowl placed on top. First, fill a large pot with enough water to cover the height of the beeswax. Place a glass bowl on top of the pot and boil the water over medium heat. Ensure that the water level is not too high to prevent it from spilling out when it starts to boil.
Next, take your beeswax and place it in the glass bowl to melt. You can also add coconut butter and coconut oil to the bowl to melt along with the beeswax. It is important to monitor the beeswax as it melts, stirring occasionally to prevent overheating. The wax should melt slowly and evenly. Beeswax is flammable, so keep a close eye on it and ensure that no wax pellets have scattered onto your hot stovetop. If you notice any smoking, this is a sign that the wax is getting too hot.
Once the beeswax has melted, you can add essential oils to your candle or leave it as pure beeswax. Carefully pour the melted wax into your chosen mould or container, such as a glass jar, and allow it to cool completely before using your new candle.
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Prepare candle jars and wicks
Preparing candle jars and wicks is an important step in the candle-making process. Here is a detailed guide to help you get started:
Selecting the Right Jars
You can use a variety of containers for your candles, such as mason jars, thrifted jars, old tin cans, tea cups, or even upcycled jars. Choose containers that are heat-safe and ensure they are clean and dry before adding the wax.
Preparing the Wicks
There are a few methods to secure the wicks to the bottom of the jars. One common method is to use a hot glue gun or wick stickers to fix the wick in the centre of the jar. You can also try using a combination of glue and pencils or dowels to prop and stabilise the wick. It is important to ensure that the wick remains centred as the wax sets.
Adding Coconut Oil (Optional)
Before pouring the wax, some candle makers choose to add coconut oil to the melted beeswax. This helps the candle burn more slowly and consistently while also preventing tunnelling. However, you can also make a 100% beeswax candle by omitting this step.
Pouring the Wax
Once your wicks are secured and the coconut oil is mixed (if using), carefully pour the melted beeswax into the jars, leaving about one inch of space at the top. Work quickly, as beeswax hardens fast. If the wax begins to solidify, return it to the heat source to melt again.
Setting and Trimming
After pouring, set the jars aside and allow the beeswax to cool and set completely. This may take around 1-2 hours or longer, depending on the size of your candle. Once the wax is solid, trim the wicks to about 1/2 inch in length. You can now light your candle or store it in a cool, dry place until you are ready to use it.
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Add coconut oil to the melted wax
Adding coconut oil to melted beeswax is an optional step in candle-making. It helps the candle burn more consistently and prevents tunnelling. If you prefer, you can make a 100% beeswax candle by omitting the coconut oil.
To add coconut oil to your melted wax, first, measure out your desired amount of coconut oil. There is no standard amount of coconut oil to add, but a good starting point is to add around 1/2-1 ounce of coconut oil per 8 ounces of beeswax. Adjust this ratio to your preference, keeping in mind that more coconut oil will result in a softer candle with a lower melting point.
Next, heat the coconut oil until it is in a liquid state. You can do this by placing it in a heat-resistant container and heating it in the microwave or on a stovetop until it is completely melted. If you are using a microwave, heat the oil in short intervals, stirring in between, to prevent overheating.
Once your coconut oil is melted, slowly add it to your melted beeswax, stirring continuously to combine the two ingredients thoroughly. Ensure that your beeswax is also heated to a liquid state before combining the two, as this will make the process easier and prevent clumping.
After combining the melted beeswax and coconut oil, you can add essential oils or fragrance oils if desired. Stir the mixture gently to incorporate any added ingredients, being careful not to create bubbles.
Finally, carefully pour the melted wax and coconut oil mixture into your prepared candle containers. Allow the candles to set for at least one to two days before trimming the wicks and lighting your candles.
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Pour wax into the jar and let it set
Now that your wax is melted, it's time to pour it into the jar and let it set. But before you do that, make sure your wick is in place. You can use a wick sticker at the bottom of the wick and place it in the centre of the jar. You could also use a wood wick. Wrap the wick around a skewer and lay it across the top of the jar to keep the wick upright. You can even tape the skewer in place for added security while the wax sets.
Once you've prepared your wick, carefully pour the melted wax into your jar. Take care not to spill any hot wax on yourself. If you're using beeswax, it's important to note that it shrinks as it cools, so you may need to do a top-up pour after the initial pour has cooled to get a smooth finish. Some people insulate the jar in a box to slow down the cooling process and improve glass adhesion.
After pouring the wax, let it set completely before using your candle. This typically takes around 1-2 days. During this time, the wax will solidify, and you can trim the wick to 1/2" before lighting your candle. If you're in a hurry, you can speed up the curing process by using a heat gun to melt the top layer of the wax, which will help it cool more evenly and reduce the likelihood of sinkholes or lines forming.
If you notice any issues with your candle after it has set, such as cracking at the top or sinking in the centre, don't worry. You can always remelt a small amount of wax and pour another thin layer over the imperfections to create a smooth and even surface. Remember that candle-making takes practice, and you may need to troubleshoot a bit to get the perfect result.
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Trim the wick and light the candle
Once you've made your candle, there are a few important steps to take before lighting it. Firstly, ensure that your candle has had enough time to set. Depending on your recipe, this could take up to a week. It's important to be patient, as the wax needs to be completely solid before you light it.
After your candle has set, it's time to trim the wick. Using a sharp pair of scissors or a wick trimmer, cut the wick to a length of about 1/2 inch. This step is crucial, as a wick that is too long or too short can affect the way your candle burns. A wick that is too long can cause the flame to become too large and smoky, while a wick that is too short may not stay lit.
Now your candle is ready to be lit! When lighting your candle for the first time, allow it to burn for at least two hours. This will create a large enough melt pool to ensure that your candle burns evenly in the future and doesn't tunnel. If you notice that the wick is producing smoke or the flame is too large, extinguish the candle, let it cool, and trim the wick before trying again.
If you're having trouble keeping your wick lit, there are a few things you can try. Firstly, check that your wick is centred and upright. An off-centre wick can cause uneven burning and make it difficult to light the candle. You can use a skewer or pencil to prop up the wick and ensure it stays upright. Another reason your wick might not stay lit is that it's too small for the candle. If the flame is constantly being drowned out by melting wax, try switching to a larger wick.
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Frequently asked questions
The best way to melt beeswax is to use the double boiler method. Fill a large pot with enough water to cover the height of the beeswax and place a heat-resistant bowl containing the beeswax on top. Heat the water to a gentle boil and allow the heat to melt the wax.
Wax melts between 110-200 degrees Fahrenheit. Beeswax should be cooked at 145ºF and kept liquid for around 30 minutes to remove excess moisture.
Add a wick sticker to the bottom of your wick and place it in the centre of your jar. You can use a wood wick or a 100% cotton wick. Wrap the wick around a skewer and lay it across the top of the jar to keep the wick upright. Tape the skewer in place if needed.
Turn off the heat and add coconut oil to the wax, stirring to combine. This will help the candle burn more consistently and avoid tunnelling. You can then pour the wax and oil into your prepared candle containers and allow them to set for 1-2 days before trimming the wicks to 1/2" and lighting the candle.
